TNP reader rewarded for tip-off about Johore Battery being in disrepair

SINGAPORE - The Johore Battery in Changi is considered a historically significant site, having been the location where 15- inch guns were built by the British forces in 1939 to defend Singapore during World War II.

So when a civil servant, who wanted to be known as Mr Wong, saw the site in disrepair, he called The New Paper hotline.

“When we visited the Johore Battery, it was in such a deplorable state. We thought if the newspaper reported it and there was some media attention, the authorities would take action,” said Mr Wong, 40.

The New Paper reported the story on Sept 9.

Thanks to readers like Mr Wong, The New Paper has been able to keep up with news that occurs across the island.

Mr Wong said that he was passing the site when he noticed that the grass there was overgrown and the trenches were waterlogged.

A small shed exhibiting pictures and information regarding the Battery was also seen packed with equipment and items belonging to a restaurant nearby.

He decided to inform The New Paper after seeing the hotline number in the paper. Mr Wong added that he has been a reader of the paper for two years now and subscribes to The Straits Times, but much prefers The New Paper.